Women's expo puts focus on health, wellness

Christina Hennessy, Connecticut Post

Christina Hennessy, Staff Writer

Published 8:10 pm, Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Eric Martsolf, who plays 'Brady Black' on NBC's 'Days of Our Lives,' will be appearing from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Fairfield County Women's Expo, Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, in Stamford.
Photo: Contributed Photo

Eric Martsolf, who plays 'Brady Black' on NBC's 'Days of Our...

Stamford Hospital returns this year with a full roster of health screenings, which will be offered throughout the two days of the Fairfield County Women's Expo, Saturday, April 30, to Sunday, May 1, at the Stamford Plaza Hotel.
Photo: Contributed Photo

Stamford Hospital returns this year with a full roster of health...

Attendees check out the exhibitors at last year's Fairfield County Women's Expo in Stamford. The event returns, April 30 to May 1 at the Stamford Plaza Hotel.
Photo: Contributed Photo

There is not much you can't do when it comes to the two-day Fairfield County Women's Expo that is coming to the Stamford Plaza Hotel.

Take a chance Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, at a door prize, sign up for a free health screening, sample some goodies, plan dinner from offerings at a farmers' market, attend a free seminar, confer with a psychic, experience a beauty makeover, meet a celebrity or be greeted with a flower by simply stepping through the door.

"We are building this as the ultimate shopping and entertainment experience for women," said Nick Curci, president of Westport-based Connecticut Expos, which runs the event.

This is the second year that Stamford Hospital is the title sponsor. It will be providing a spectrum of services that are offered under its women's health program.

"This is similar to what we did last year, but we are in a much larger space," said Scott Orstad, a hospital spokesman.

There will be many free, walk-up health screenings, including those for cardiac/stroke assessment, glucose, body fat analysis, and others. Women also can sign up in advance for mammography and bone-density screenings. Orstad said more than 1,000 health screens were performed last year.

While participants gain a greater knowledge of the hospital's services, Orstad said the staff learns a whole lot, too.

"The staff is absolutely energized by this," he said. "It is, in essence, a great way to receive feedback for different service areas, as well as plan future programs that are of interest to members of the community."

Stamford chiropractor Dr. Beverley Marr of Stamford Healthcare Associates will be demonstrating low-level laser therapy, or cold laser, to ease pain and heal injuries. Marr is set to talk from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Saturday.

"It pretty much works on any area of pain," she said. "It works to decrease inflammation almost instantly and increases the range of motion, which helps with the pain level."

Marr added that the laser is effective on sprains or strains, in that it reduces the length of injury.

When it comes to keeping sprains and strains of the heart to a minimum, Ronnie Ann Ryan is ready to offer some advice.

Ryan, who runs It's Never Too Late For Love, uses her marketing expertise and personal experiences to help men and women find success in love. She will be presenting "Become an Irresistible Woman" from noon to 12:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Ryan, who lives in Milford, said her talks attract all ages, "but the common ground is that they are looking to find love and figure out the best way to make that happen."

Although the hundreds of exhibitors, speakers and health professionals drew thousands last year, Curci said it is likely numbers will swell when Eric Martsolf stops by. The soap opera star plays Brady Black on NBC's "Days of Our Lives." He will be at the Stamford Plaza both days, from noon to 4 p.m., providing free, personalized autographed photos.

And one lucky guest may be able to trade the trip to the expo for a vacation to Antigua, which is the event's grand prize. There also is a chance for a trip to Vermont.

"The other change this year are our door prizes," Curci said of items donated by exhibitors. "The value ranges from $50 to as much as $500."

Visitors get a key to try and unlock a treasure chest and reveal the prize.